A STUDY IN CAMP: ‘ROCKY HORROR PICTURE SHOW’ AND ITS LASTING EFFECTS ON FASHION
BY JACKSON MCCOY
It is officially the time of year when jack-o’-lanterns stand guard on every porch and slashers play on every TV. With all the influence horror movies have had on fashion, especially during All Hallow’s Eve, it would be a disservice not to mention a film integral to Ohio University’s Halloween festivities: “The Rocky Horror Picture Show.”
The show follows the story of a naïve young couple, Janet Weiss and Brad Majors, who recently married and are on their way to the house of the science teacher who taught the class where they first met. While on their way, their car breaks down and they head towards a castle to try to make a phone call. Things get pretty wild when they realize the castle is the residence of the infamous self-proclaimed “transvestite” space-traveling alien doctor, Frank-N-Furter.
The movie, based on the musical “The Rocky Horror Show,” serves as a love letter to the late-night pulpy sci-fi and horror movies of the ‘70s. Even the castle where Dr. Frank-N-Furter resides was previously used as a film set by Hammer Film Productions, a famous horror movie studio. Many aspects of the film, from the crazy plot to the even crazier visual effects, are all one big love letter to the kitsch slashers horror movie enthusiasts and Halloween fans all know and love.
One of the most well-known, integral parts of the film is its fashion. Sue Blane, the costume designer for the film, did no research before creating the ensemble’s clothing, instead opting to design looks based on her judgment. Blane is credited as one of the influences on punk-rock fashion, along with big names like Vivienne Westwood.
Blane’s designs for the movie and stage production of “Rocky Horror” have been woven into pop culture in many ways. Audiences can see its influence incorporated into the skimpy red and black outfits of D.C.’s Harley Quinn and Chanel Oberlin's scarlet lipstick in “Scream Queens.”
When it comes to everyday fashion, the impacts of “Rocky Horror” can also be observed, from the rise in corsets' popularity to the wearing of ripped fishnets, Frank-N-Furter’s exquisite wardrobe has seeped into audiences’ closets everywhere.
The effect of the film’s distinguished campiness can even be felt in Athens, Ohio, both in Bobcat culture and fashion. The stage production of “Rocky Horror” is performed annually by the local Lost Flamingo Theater Company, with stars of the show dressing in the most glittery, sultry, and provocative looks possible.
The now-beloved motion picture is largely considered ahead of its time; when released, despite being critically bashed, it quickly developed a cult following. Its portrayal of queer characters on screen in a way that was so off-kilter and screwball-esque has led “Rocky Horror” to be dubbed a piece of essential queer cinema, and many people feel a deep attachment to it. As spooky season heads into full gear, look at the clothes you see on campus and ask yourself, “Would they be wearing that outfit if it wasn’t for Dr. Frank-N-Furter’s scheming?”
